Download - An introduction to IFLA
Building Strong Library Associations Programme
Programme OverviewNaomi Haasbroek
SCECSAL Conference, Botswana, December 2010
• IFLA: The global voice of libraries– Promoting high standards of provision
and delivery of library and information services and professional practice
– Encouraging widespread understanding of the value of good library and information services
– Representing the interests of our members throughout the world
An introduction to IFLA
• Development of standards and guidelines
• Promotion of best practices, training
• Advocacy
• Partnerships
• Meetings, conferences, publications
IFLA’s work
• ALP aims to further the profession by assisting with education and training, supporting the development of library associations and helping with the introduction of new technologies into libraries
• ALP works in developing countries and emerging economies
• ALP supports workshops and training activities and longer-term capacity building activities
Action for Development through Libraries programme (ALP)
• IFLA has more than 45 sections on all aspects of library and information activities
• The Africa Section is a focal point for networking, research, and events within the continent.
IFLA Africa Section
• The programme will help library associations and their members increase their potential to:– Improve services for library users
– Provide equitable access to information
– Develop the library and information profession
Building Strong Library Association Programme goals
• BSLA is delivered by the IFLA Action for Development through Libraries (ALP) programme
• BSLA applications are managed by ALP, with consultation from regional sections and MLAS
Programme management
BSLA programme components
• A modular, customisable training package – Building Strong Library Associations including case studies
• IFLA’s existing policy training packages (for example, Internet Manifesto training)
• Mentoring and activities (for example, study tours)• In-country, cross-country and across programme
activities• Use of an online platform to support access to
materials, collaboration, and information sharing
Training package contents
• From starting an association to advocacy – the modules cover a wide range of topics
• Each module contains a series of topics, learning objectives, case studies, and opportunities for self-assessment
• Each module can be customised for different social, language and political situations, and to meet the needs of different library associations
• Developed by content experts and educational designers
• Experts in library associations are paired with each country project
• Trainers work with associations in-country, and online using the online platform
• The in-country facilitator in each country coordinates the project locally
Core trainers and facilitators
• Each country project will last for at least two years
• Each country is paired with a core trainer for the whole project
• Countries take part in a series of workshops and other activities
• Projects are regularly monitored, and evaluated using impact evaluation
Country projects
• Capacity building and sustainability
• Research and case studies for the benefit of all library associations
• Success stories
Project outcomes
• BLA is one of the first countries to take part in the Building Strong Library Associations programme
• They will be involved in the programme until 2012
Botswana Library Association
• BLA’s goals:• Visibility: To raise the visibility of the
association amongst its key stakeholders• Governance: To work toward a more
engaged and active BLA executive committee
• Advocacy: To identify the role of BLA in advocating for libraries in society and community as part of the new National Library Act and Vision 2016 strategy
Botswana Library Association
• To achieve its goals, BLA seeks participation from stakeholders and librarians from across the country
• Your membership and active engagement in the association will build a stronger association
Botswana Library Association
• Deadline 1 April 2011
• Application forms and guidelines available on IFLA website (http://www.ifla.org)
• Send to IFLA Africa Office and copy to [email protected]
• For more information contact Fiona Bradley at [email protected]
Call for 2011 applications